Although Gwinnett's election results were certified Friday night, one candidate is already talking about a recount.

George Wilson, who lost the House District 95 race to incumbent Robert Mumford by about 400 votes, said he's talked to Democratic Party attorneys about the possibility.

According to the unofficial results on the Secretary of State's Web site, the vote tally is not close enough to allow for a recount, which is less than 1 percent.

But Wilson said he has seen other numbers that declare the race closer and he still has not seen a tally for all of the precincts in Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton counties, which make up the district.

Wilson said he was keeping an eye on a Newton County precinct that has an unusually high number of absentee ballots.

The attorneys will make a decision next week, he said.

Mumford said he was unaware of the issues.

Getting the power back

A state senator from Duluth will be part of the committee to give the lieutenant governor's office back its power.

David Shafer was chosen for the five-man group by Casey Cagle, who was elected last week as the first Republican lieutenant governor in state history.

"The people of Georgia spoke clearly on Tuesday," Cagle said. "I am committed to listening to them and serving Georgia as a lieutenant governor who unites the GOP caucus, reaches out to the minority, and works cooperatively with Gov. Sonny Perdue and Speaker Glenn Richardson to build consensus behind common-sense conservative policies that move Georgia forward."

When the GOP took control of the Senate, leaders stripped powers away from Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, a Democrat, who was the presiding officer of the body.

According to a press release, the committee will be charged with comprehensively reviewing provisions in the Senate rules, GOP caucus rules, and Georgia Code that govern the operation of the Georgia State Senate.

Under Cagle's direction, that review will be focused on developing a set of rules changes that streamlines the daily operations of the Senate, allows individual members to have their voices heard and talents fully utilized, and allows the presiding officer to negotiate with the House and governor.

"Sen. Shafer is a veteran legislator and a good friend," Cagle said. "I am proud to have him as part of the team that will help lead our transition within the Senate. This is the first time in history the people of Georgia have chosen a Republican lieutenant governor, and we have a huge responsibility in terms of living up to that trust."

Serving on the committee will be Sens. Eric Johnson, Chip Pearson, Chip Rogers, David Shafer, and Tommie Williams.

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Camie Young can be reached via e-mail at camie.young @gwinnettdailypost.com.